Nature never ceases to fascinate us! The endearing landforms and our never-ending quest to walk those terrains go along. Uttarakhand’s mountainous terrains are even more special for they are endowed with breathtaking vistas. There in the heart of Nainital district in Uttarakhand lies Bhimtal – the perfect location for an exhilarating weekend getaway from Delhi for every adventure bug. Of all the exciting outdoor activities, paragliding in Bhimtal makes for the most exciting thing to do in the Kumaon hills!

Set amid the Kumaon mountains, Bhimtal is home to tiny, hidden lakes, and deodar trees making it a perfect destination to try a sport as thrilling as paragliding.

Here’s all you’ll ever need to plan paragliding in the scenic hill station.

Why paragliding in Bhimtal is special?

Bhimtal is one of those Himalayan lands which is endowed with breathtaking nature and mesmerizing outdoors! The lofty highlands towards Naukuchiatal makes for perfect paragliding spot with ample of place to soar and make a perfect landing. The glorious mountains of Nainital and Bhimtal, for sure, make paragliding here as the top pick for adventure enthusiasts.

Stationed at 1370 meters above sea level in the lower Himalayan region, Bhimtal is a pretty place with plenty of adventure activities in the offering. Still, paragliding in Bhimtal, by far, remains the most popular outdoor activity and a major pull for all the travelers headed there.

Best time to go paragliding in Bhimtal

March – June, and September – December is the ideal time to visit Bhimtal for paragliding when the mild breeze blows and the weather conditions are absolutely gentle to make paragliding an absolutely exciting activity. Wind is a major factor deciding the paragliding activity in mountains.

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Types of paragliding activities offered

Image Sourcei) Thermal flying: The method uses the heat of the surroundings and warm air to swell high up in the air. The paraglider gradually rises and thermals are detached from the source used at the time of the takeoff. This speed helps a paraglider to rise. It needs more precision and persistence.

ii) Cross-country flying: It requires frequent movement from one thermal to the immediate next. As the pilot has to negotiate and identify the thermal by the land features, this technique requires expert level efficiency. The paraglider must have a knowledge of air law, flying regulation, and aviation maps.

iii) Soaring: This type of paragliding is entirely dependent on the wind movement. Optimum utilization of fixed objects like ridge or dune is sought which helps in the upward movement of the glider. Soaring along the slope is dependant on the steady wind along with its speed.

Popular paragliding operators in Bhimtal

Safety checks for paragliding

As much fun as it is, Paragliding requires a high level of caution and sufficient preparation. Always remember that while taking up an adventure activity like paragliding the margin of error is zero. Therefore, apart from performing the basic checks like being aware of the weather conditions in general and wind speed in particular, make sure that you listen to the instructor very carefully. The entire paragliding in Bhimtal experience can be categorized into 4 basic stage.

1. Preparation: This includes running a proper check on the weather conditions, ensuring the availability of proper paragliding essentials, and finally wearing the right things properly. Make sure that you do a preflight before going for paragliding and if you aren’t satisfied don’t go for it.

2. Good launch: Keep your legs on the ground until you are clear of the hills. A good launch clearly shows how amazing your flight is going to be. Also, you must know when to abort. The moment you feel it’s not going the right way, be smart enough to abort. The ability to make the right decision in right time makes you an efficient pilot.

3. Approaching the landing zone with sufficient altitude for an approach: The first thing to be considered by every paraglider after completing a successful flight is how to make it to the landing zone with sufficient altitude to analyze wind situation. This is the most vital part of paragliding that ensures a safe landing. If you can’t make it to the landing zone in time then it’s not a good sign at all and you might suffer an accident.

4. Great Landing: A successful flight is summed up perfectly by a perfect landing.

A mere 315 km drive from Delhi can take you to one of the most scenic spots in Uttarakhand where you can let your aspirations soar high into the sky and go beyond the cloud. The best part is, you will be flying with your own wings!!